1.1.1. Nomenclature

• Chem. Abstr. Serv. Reg. No.: 1163-19-5
• Chem. Abstr. Name: Benzene, 1,1′-oxybis[2,3,4,5,6-pentabromo]

1.1.2. Structural and molecular formulae and relative molecular mass

1.1.3. Physical properties (for details, see IARC, 1990)

1. Boiling point: Decomposes at 425°C
2. Melting point: 290–305°C
3. Conversion factor: mg/m³ = 39.2 × ppm

4.1.1. Humans

No data were available to the Working Group.

4.1.2. Experimental systems

When labelled decabromodiphenyl oxide was given by gavage to rats, over 99% of the label appeared in the faeces, approximately 0.5% of mainly unchanged compound was found in the liver, less than 1% of the label was detected in the urine over 16 days and trace amounts of label were found in the kidneys, spleen, lungs, brain, muscle, fat and skin. After an intravenous dose, the faeces and gut contents contained 75% of the dose, suggesting significant biliary excretion, and of the extracted faecal label, 63% was metabolites. No evidence of induction of cytochrome c reductase or cytochrome P450 activities was seen in male rats. In a two-year dietary study in rats, the bromine content of liver and adipose tissue was slightly increased (IARC, 1990).

4.4.1. Humans

No data were available to the Working Group.

4.4.2. Experimental systems (see Table 1 for references)

Table 1

Genetic and related effects of decabromodiphenyl oxide.

In single studies, decabromodiphenyl oxide did not induce gene mutations in either bacteria or mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells and neither did it induce sister chromatid exchanges or chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary CHO cells.